or the first time, a football uniform looked like part of the player’s body instead of something taped, strapped, and draped over his frame. The complex network of padding worn by the average college football player would finally be part of the uniform. The pants had special pockets designed so pads disappeared into them and wouldn’t drift into ticklish positions in the middle of a play. The jerseys were anatomically cut to move with a player; they had mesh paneling, stretch cordura, "cap" sleeves, and lycra to spare. Issues even arose for players who, having every bodily contour suddenly revealed by form-fitting material, felt like they needed some extra physical conditioning. The Ducks were certainly going to look different. The only question was, would they play differently? Some of those involved with the genesis of the uniforms have expressed nothing short of absolute faith in that possibility.

"I am of the philosophy that by putting the best performance wear on our players, they will look good, they will feel good, therefore, they will play good," said Head Coach Mike Bellotti at the unveiling. It seemed the barrier between looking like a winner and actually being one was dissolving. Todd Van Horne, Nike’s director of design for team sports, says that before the Denver Broncos got new Nike uniforms in 1996, they were considered little more than feisty NFL underdogs. He notes that they are now best known as back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

There are 11 "Nike Schools" in the country, among them powerhouses like Florida State and Ohio State. The University of Oregon joined this pack in 1996, when the school signed a seven-year contract with Nike worth $1 million annually. These 11 schools get Nike gear for every athletic program; that means all practice and competition uniforms and, of course, all shoes. But the cream of the Nike line went to the Ducks first, a team ranked relatively low on the NCAA totem pole. Nike’s Van Horne says the Ducks’ uniforms represent the next step in technological evolution from those worn by some NFL teams. In short, they’re not only the best uniforms in the college leagues—they’re the latest and greatest in the entire country.